Residents in Barrie, Ontario, are facing a rapid shift from heavy snow to a potentially more treacherous hazard: freezing rain. Environment Canada lifted a snowfall warning for the region only to issue a new alert for freezing rain on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Weather Warnings Shift from Snow to Ice
The federal weather agency terminated the snowfall warning that had been in effect, but almost immediately cautioned the public about an incoming band of freezing precipitation. The new alert warns of patchy freezing rain that is expected to cause a thin, slippery layer of ice to form on untreated surfaces. The timing of the alert, issued around 3:00 PM EST, highlights the volatile and changing nature of winter conditions in the area.
Environment Canada specifically warned of ice build-up on roads, sidewalks, and other surfaces, which could create hazardous travel conditions. The alert urges pedestrians and drivers to exercise extreme caution.
Broader Context of Winter Weather Across Canada
This localized event in Barrie is part of a wider pattern of active winter weather affecting multiple provinces. On the same day, other parts of the Greater Toronto Area remained under snowfall warnings. Meanwhile, in British Columbia, Environment Canada forecasted significant rain and snow for Metro Vancouver.
Other notable weather-related incidents across the country included:
- Snow squall watches for parts of Cape Breton, leading to school closures.
- An extended holiday break for some students in midwestern Ontario due to weather.
- A coastal flooding bulletin for southern B.C. being lifted by Environment Canada.
Safety Implications and Public Advisory
The primary risk associated with the freezing rain alert is the rapid glazing of surfaces. This poses a significant slip-and-fall danger for pedestrians and can lead to vehicles losing traction, increasing the risk of collisions. Ice accumulation on trees and power lines also raises the possibility of localized power outages.
Environment Canada advises the public to monitor updated forecasts and warnings. Residents are encouraged to postpone non-essential travel during periods of freezing rain, use appropriate footwear, and allow extra time for commuting if travel is necessary. Municipal crews in Barrie and surrounding Simcoe County are likely to be active, applying salt and sand to mitigate the icy conditions on major roads and walkways.
This swift transition from a snowfall warning to a freezing rain alert serves as a critical reminder for Canadians to stay prepared for rapidly evolving winter weather scenarios, which are common during the January thaw period.
